[coffin filler]

Originaly posted by SirMaverick

The only thing that I agree with you is that the soundcard is in fact a on board one. I never thought it mattered much whether it is on board or any other type.

Yes on board sound can can have a massive effect on the way a game runs etc. As you are probarly aware on board sound runs in "software" mode which is no good thing as it eats valuable recorces up gobbly gobbly. You can always try the following. (this is also suggested for people with sound and performance problems and doom 3). Run DirectX and go into the sound tab. There you will be able to reduce the sound acceleration level. Slide it down the slider to the beggining and run the game. If this helps with your problem (you will still have sound so dont worry) you can knock it up 1 point each time and find where the performance is acceptable. (just remember to put it back to the original point when you have finished with said game).

I have on board sound (look @ my sig) and the only game i have had any problem relating to what you described was with "Vampire the masquerade Bloodline" and doing the above fixed this problem. I have run much more demanding games (spec wise) like Half life 2,Doom 3,Swat 4 etc etc with no probs but Vampire gave me nothing but trouble until i reduced the sound acceleration level. I take it you have the new onboard sound drivers downloaded and installed for your MOBO ? Hope the above helps.